All the right connections. TNT press release Second Quarter Results

Transcription

1 All the right connections TNT press release 2007 Second Quarter Results

2 Profit from continuing operations up 12.0% 2007 Second Quarter Results Highlights 10.0% increase in group revenues, driven by Express and EMN growth Group Earnings per share from continuing operations up by 21.6% Further optimisation of capital structure announced Interim dividend of 30 cents per share, an increase of 15.4% Express Strong revenue growth of 14.1% Solid operating margin performance, excluding the effect of acquisitions Mail Margin in line with expectations Strong revenue growth in EMN Outlook Operating margin guidance Mail increased from around 17% to around 17.5% Uplift in EMN full year revenue outlook to 30-35%, with slightly lower margin Express outlook maintained Key numbers Q Q % Change HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change mil mil mil mil Revenues 2,689 2, % 5,365 4, % Operating income (EBIT) % % Profit from continuing operations % % Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations % 206 (9) % Profit/(loss) attributable to the shareholders % % Cash generated from operations % % Net cash from operating activities % % Earnings per share (in cents) % % Earnings from continuing operations per share (in cents) % % CEO Peter Bakker: Overall, the second quarter brought satisfactory results for TNT. The volume development in Express was particularly strong for our international flows, and Mail performed in line with our expectations. The strategic growth initiatives in Mail and Express made good progress. Particularly our new South American Express expansion is getting up to speed fast, whilst China and India continue to develop according to plan. The strong revenue growth in EMN in the first half of 2007 enables us to lift the full year revenue growth outlook, while the additional start up costs lead to a slightly reduced margin outlook. For the Mail division in total, we are able to lift our full year operating margin guidance to around 17.5%. TNT is making good progress in the continued successful deployment of the Focus on Networks strategy. An expression of our confidence going forward is also today s announcement of a further optimised capital structure. The financing proceeds thereof will be used amongst others for a new 500 million share buy back and contribute to the funding of a balanced social plan for Mail masterplans. Press Release Q Page 1 of 14

3 Summary Group revenues increased by 10.0% in the second quarter to reach 2,689 million. Operating income of 330 million was slightly (-2.1%) below last year s Q2 mainly explained by some significant one-off items in last year s numbers. The profit attributable to shareholders was 244 million, an increase over last year of 16.7%. Strong revenue growth in Express (+14.1%) propelled the Group s revenue increase. Our growth in international volumes remained strong at a solid double digit percentage, whilst domestic volumes developed slightly better than the market in general, at low single digit. The integration of the Express acquisitions made good progress, with a marked service quality upgrade in India, the launch of a new truck fleet in China and better than expected results in Brazil. The operating margin of Express remained solid at 10.1%, excluding the effect of acquisitions. The trend in Dutch addressed mail volumes was as expected (-3.5%, day-count adjusted), with a favorable price/mix effect reducing the impact on revenues. Revenue growth in EMN was 33.3% (37.0% for the half year). The operating margin decreased compared with last year in Mail overall, affected by one-off elements in Q and higher start-up costs in EMN. The 2007 interim dividend is set at 30 cents (2006: 26 cents), up 15.4%. Financial review Non-allocated costs of 7 million were substantially lower than last year ( 22 million), due to reduced insurance costs and external fees. The net financial expense was 17 million and included positive results on hedges, tax interest and foreign exchange. Excluding 17 million of income from discontinued operations, the prior year interest expense was 25 million. The results from investments in associates of 6 million positive are largely explained by the sale of an Express Innight business. The effective tax rate of 27.0% was substantially lower than last year s 36.8%. The Q2 charge was reduced by the lower Dutch statutory rate, one-off benefits and the first results of our optimisation. The prior year charge included a one-off payment of 6 million. The profit from continuing operations was 233 million, a 12.0% increase on last year, and the profit from discontinued operations was 11 million, explained by the final settlement of the Freight Management sale. At 244 million, the profit attributable to shareholders was 16.7% up on last year. Earnings per share were 27.0% higher at 63.1 cents, also helped by the lower average share count due to the share repurchases. The cash generated from operations at 314 million was 33.1% higher than Q Resulting net cash from operating activities increased 7.8% due to considerably higher tax payments. Capital expenditure in cash terms was 85 million, a little lower than last year s 95 million, although total capital Group Summary expenditure, including the second finance leased Boeing 747 freighter, amounted to 195 million. Group net debt was 1,315 million, an increase of 453 million in the quarter due to net capex ( 190 million), net acquisitions and disposals ( 79 million), share repurchases ( 170 million), the 2006 final dividend ( 183 million), offset by the net cash from operating activities and other items. Further optimisation of capital structure In line with the company s financial strategy, TNT plans to further optimise its capital structure. The resulting financial proceeds will be allocated to a rebalancing of TNT s existing interest bearing debt package, a further share repurchase program and to the pension component of a to-be-negotiated balanced social plan related to new masterplan initiatives in Mail Netherlands. The further share repurchase will amount to 500 million and is expected to be completed by mid-next year, at which point the capacity for yet further share repurchases will again be considered in order to maintain an efficient and optimal capital structure and strategic flexibility. The 400 million share repurchase that commenced on 23 April 2007 is currently still in progress. 234 million has been repurchased to date. Outlook With the strong revenue growth of the European Mail Networks in the first half year, we increase our full year total revenue growth expectation for EMN from around 25% to the range 30% to 35%. The accelerated growth is accompanied by accelerated start up costs, particularly in UK packets and parcels. As a result we slightly revise our low-single-digit operating margin outlook for EMN to around break-even. For the Mail division in total, we increase the operating margin outlook from around 17.0% to around 17.5%, reflecting the Mail Netherlands performance in half year Incorporating these revisions, our full year outlook for the Group is as follows: In Express, we expect to achieve revenue growth of around 15%, with a balance of organic and acquisition growth. We expect an operating margin in the range 9% to 10%. In Mail, we expect total revenue growth in the midsingle-digit range, with an operating margin of around 17.5% (this margin excludes the effect of any provisions related to the new masterplan initiatives*). As in 2006, we expect a year-on-year margin reduction related to the increased size of EMN, start up costs in EMN and the lower pace of masterplan savings compared with continuing volume reductions in the Netherlands. In EMN, we forecast total revenue growth in the range 30% to 35%, at around break-even operating income. *As mentioned in December 2006, we will consider forming provisions during 2007 in Mail in respect of the new masterplan initiatives. Press Release Q Page 2 of 14

4 Group Summary Significant events since first quarter 2 Apr TNT starts bio-fuel pilot in India 20 Apr TNT s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders adopts dividend for Apr TNT to start share repurchase program of up to 400 million 16 May Asia s first road network expands into Vietnam 21 May TNT customers donate 140,000 to WFP school feeding projects 1 Jun 2 nd Boeing 747 going into service 5 Jun Postal Law approved in Dutch Parliament 8 Jun TNT launches faster express delivery service in South East Asia 13 Jun Result of BCG study confirms basis of planned cost-savings initiatives at TNT Post 18 Jun TNT completes delisting from New York Stock Exchange 29 Jun Agreement in principle between TNT and unions on collective agreement on employment mobility 2 Jul TNT Post acquires holding in Nordwest- Mail GmbH (CITIPOST Bremen) 5 Jul TNT Express wins Bosch Supplier Award once again 20 Jul TNT Hoau purchases 260 new trucks and launches new visual identity for entire fleet Press Release Q Page 3 of 14

5 Group Summary Group Summary Q2 Q Q % Change mil mil Operational Fx Total Revenues 2,689 2, % 0.2% 10.0% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.3% -2.1% Profit from continuing operations % 0.5% 12.0% Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations % 0.0% % Profit/(loss) attributable to the shareholders % 0.5% 16.7% Segment Summary Q2 Q Q % Change mil mil Operational Fx Total Express Revenues 1,672 1, % 0.3% 14.1% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.7% 4.0% Operating margin 9.3% 10.2% Mail Revenues 1, % 0.1% 3.8% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.0% -13.4% Operating margin 17.7% 21.2% Non-allocated (7) (22) 68.2% 0.0% 68.2% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.3% -2.1% Group Summary HY HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change mil mil Operational Fx Total Revenues 5,365 4, % -0.1% 9.6% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.2% 2.6% Profit from continuing operations % 0.2% 10.4% Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations 206 (9) % 0.0% % Profit/(loss) attributable to the shareholders % 0.2% 62.1% Segment Summary HY HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change mil mil Operational Fx Total Express Revenues 3,293 2, % -0.2% 13.2% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.4% 5.9% Operating margin 8.7% 9.3% Mail Revenues 2,081 1, % 0.1% 4.2% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.0% -4.4% Operating margin 19.8% 21.6% Non-allocated (17) (37) 54.1% 0.0% 54.1% Operating income (EBIT) % 0.2% 2.6% Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the sale of Freight Management and for the revised allocation of the non-allocated costs using actual incurred costs in Press Release Q Page 4 of 14

6 Express Express achieves 14.1% revenue growth Solid underlying operating margin performance, excluding effect of acquisitions Integration of acquisitions on track Express Summary Q Q % Change HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change mil mil mil mil Revenues 1,672 1, % 3,293 2, % Operating income (EBIT) % % Operating margin 9.3% 10.2% 8.7% 9.3% Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the revised allocation of the non-allocated costs using actual incurred costs in Express achieved a high growth rate of 14.1%, including a small (+0.3%) FX effect. About half of the increase was organic, with the remainder coming from the acquisitions. Growth in international revenues was 9.5%, excluding acquisitions, which was over twice the rate of domestic growth. The growth in (international) Economy Express was again strong. Good double-digit growth was seen in Special Services, with the largest increases in areas of freight and value added services, including fashion services. The overall revenue yield remained positive at 0.8% due to the increase in the higher value international business. The fuel surcharge in the second quarter of 2007 was at roughly the same level as last year, thus having no significant impact on revenue growth and yield. (The 2006 growth and yield benefited by over one percentage point from the increase in surcharge.) The overall margin was impacted by acquisition and integration effects in line with expectations. Excluding the revenues and results of the acquisitions, the operating margin was at last year s level. (Note that, as previously stated, last year s margin benefited by around half a percentage point from one-off effects.) Margins in Western Europe increased, partially offset by lower margins in the UK (one-off effect) and lower margins in the Nordics and Eastern Europe due to investments in higher service quality and domestic coverage. Margins in Rest of World also increased, excluding the impact of acquisitions. Integration programs made good progress in our recently acquired businesses: in Speedage (India), up-graded depot facilities and new trucks contributed to a marked increase in service quality; in Mercurio (Brazil), depot integration has commenced and a new call-centre is being established; and in Hoau (China), a new truck fleet has been launched with the new visual TNT related identity for that market. Revenue Analysis Q Q % Change % Change mil mil Organic Acq Fx Express Europe 1,287 1, % 6.6% 0.0% 0.5% Express Rest of World % 9.6% 37.6% -0.8% Express 1,672 1, % 7.0% 6.8% 0.3% Revenue Analysis HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change % Change mil mil Organic Acq Fx Express Europe 2,570 2, % 7.1% 0.0% 0.4% Express Rest of World % 10.6% 31.9% -2.9% Express 3,293 2, % 7.7% 5.7% -0.2% Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the revised allocation of the non-allocated costs using actual incurred costs in Organic revenue growth in Europe was 6.6%, well within our 5% to 10% indicative target range for the region. Solid double digit growth volume growth in international express and low/mid single digit growth in domestic express in our key Western European markets was the basis of this development. In the Rest of World, revenue growth exceeded 46%, with most of the increase coming from the acquisitions already mentioned. The organic growth was almost 10%, which included 5% growth in the established and largely domestic Australian business and higher growth rates in the emerging markets. Press Release Q Page 5 of 14

7 Mail Strong organic and acquisition growth in EMN Mail Netherlands performance as expected. Volumes on trend Mail Summary Q Q % Change HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change mil mil mil mil Revenues 1, % 2,081 1, % Operating income (EBIT) % % Operating margin 17.7% 21.2% 19.8% 21.6% Revenue growth in the Mail division was 3.8%, including a 0.3% acquisition effect. As expected, the main elements were the strong increase in European Mail Networks (EMN) and the decline in Dutch addressed mail volumes. EMN growth remained strong, especially in the addressed mail operations of Germany and the UK, and supports the increase in our full year revenue outlook for that line of business. However, in EMN UK, the start-up costs of the parcels business are exceeding our original estimates. The operating margin for Mail in total of 17.7% was below last year s level, explained in part by the investment in the growth of EMN. In addition, the amount of income received from our bilateral agreements with other postal operators was considerably lower than in prior years and, as we previously stated, Q results contained net one-off benefits of around 8 million. Operating expenses in Mail Netherlands were well controlled, with masterplan savings this quarter of 8 million. The rate of savings is expected to accelerate in 2008 when the new initiatives commence. Increases in operating expenses resulted from expansion in EMN. In June, agreement in principle was reached with the Dutch unions on the collective agreement on employment mobility that will form an element of the overall agreement related to the new initiatives. The discussions recommence in September. Unions are now in the process of consulting their members on the negotiation result; the members of one union do not agree with certain aspects of the agreement and the other unions have not yet commenced the consultation process with their members. Revenue Analysis Q Q % Change % Change mil mil Organic Acq Fx Mail Netherlands % -2.0% -0.2% 0.0% European Mail Networks % 21.3% 10.9% 1.1% Cross-border Mail % 6.3% -5.5% -0.8% Data and Document Management % -2.0% -18.8% 0.0% Mail 1, % 3.4% 0.3% 0.1% Revenue Analysis HY 2007 HY 2006 % Change % Change mil mil Organic Acq Fx Mail Netherlands 1,270 1, % -1.7% -0.2% 0.0% European Mail Networks % 23.4% 12.7% 0.9% Cross-border Mail % 6.2% -2.7% -0.8% Data and Document Management % -1.0% -26.0% 0.0% Mail 2,081 1, % 3.6% 0.5% 0.1% In Mail Netherlands, the revenue decline was 2.2%, explained by the expected addressed mail volume decline, partially off-set by price/mix effects. The volume decline was 4.5%, although the one fewer day meant that the underlying rate was around 3.5%, the mid-point of our expected range. Domestic volumes were 4.3% lower affected by fewer bank mailings, and direct mail was 5.0% lower. EMN recorded another quarter of very strong revenue growth. The organic increase was 21.3% and most of this came from higher addressed mail volumes in the UK, through the Downstream Access agreement, and Germany, both in terms of national (TNT Post AG and PostCon) and regional (Regioservice) activities. The acquisition growth of 10.9% also centred on Germany and the UK. The strategically less important unaddressed mail revenue growth was mid-single digit. The Cross-border organic revenues increased as growth in TNT branded business outpaced the decline in Spring activities (the JV with Royal Mail and Singapore Post). The disposal effect related to the sale of the US activities of Spring. The Data and Document Management revenues were slightly lower organically, in the face of stiff price competition. The exit of the non-core Dutch mailroom business in 2006 explains the 18.8% disposal effect. Press Release Q Page 6 of 14

8 Consolidated Statements of Income Consolidated statements of income Q Q HY 2007 HY 2006 mil mil mil mil Net sales 2,654 2,420 5,309 4,848 Other operating revenues Total revenues 2,689 2,444 5,365 4,896 Other income Cost of materials (99) (101) (195) (196) Work contracted out and other external expenses (1,153) (973) (2,292) (1,967) Salaries and social security contributions (880) (858) (1,749) (1,708) Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (85) (76) (170) (149) Other operating expenses (147) (119) (320) (242) Total operating expenses (2,364) (2,127) (4,726) (4,262) Operating income Interest and similar income Interest and similar expenses (42) (69) (90) (107) Net financial (expense)/income (17) (8) (31) (8) Results from investments in associates (1) Profit before income taxes Income taxes (86) (121) (188) (232) Profit from continuing operations Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations (9) Profit for the period Attributable to: Minority interests Shareholders Earnings per share (in cents)* Earnings per diluted share (in cents)** Earnings from continuing operations per share (in cents)* Earnings from continuing operations per diluted share (in cents)** Earnings from discontinued operations per share (in cents)* (2.1) Earnings from discontinued operations per diluted share (in cents)** (2.1) Number of employees 158, ,671 Full time equivalent employees 112,754 88,661 Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the sale of Freight Management. * Based on an average number of million ordinary shares in Q2, including ADS (2006: million). ** Based on an average number of million diluted ordinary shares in Q2, including ADS (2006: million). The total number of shares outstanding as of 30 June, 2007 was million, including 38.7 million shares held in treasury, of which 2.3 million were held to cover for option and share incentive programmes, and 36.4 million shares for cancellation. Per 5 July the cancellation of 30.9 million shares became effective. Press Release Q Page 7 of 14

9 Quarterly Information Express mil Q Q EXPRESS Express Europe Revenues 1,287 1,202 Growth % 7.1% 8.8% Organic 6.6% 6.7% Acquisition / Disposal 0.0% 2.6% Fx 0.5% -0.5% Express Rest of World Revenues Growth % 46.4% 8.7% Organic 9.6% 10.4% Acquisition / Disposal 37.6% 0.0% Fx -0.8% -1.7% Total Express Revenues 1,672 1,465 Growth % 14.1% 8.8% Organic 7.0% 7.3% Acquisition / Disposal 6.8% 2.2% Fx 0.3% -0.7% Working days Core consignments (mil) Core kilos (mil) 1, Core revenue quality yield improvement 0.8% 1.4% Operating income (EBIT) Operating margin 9.3% 10.2% Operating margin excluding effect acquisitions 10.1% 10.2% Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the sale of Freight Management and for the revised allocation of the nonallocated costs using actual incurred costs in Press Release Q Page 8 of 14

10 Quarterly Information Mail mil Q Q MAIL Mail Netherlands Revenues Growth % -2.2% -2.5% Organic -2.0% -2.0% Acquisition / Disposal -0.2% -0.5% Fx 0.0% 0.0% Addressed mail pieces (millions) 1,115 1,168 Growth % -4.5% -6.3% Working days European Mail Networks Revenues Growth % 33.3% 26.2% Organic 21.3% 20.7% Acquisition / Disposal 10.9% 5.5% Fx 1.1% 0.0% Cross-border Mail Revenues Growth % 0.0% 1.6% Organic 6.3% 1.6% Acquisition / Disposal -5.5% 0.0% Fx -0.8% 0.0% Data and Document Management Revenues Growth % -20.8% 6.7% Organic -2.0% -2.2% Acquisition / Disposal -18.8% 8.9% Fx 0.0% 0.0% Total Mail Revenues 1, Growth % 3.8% 2.8% Organic 3.4% 1.9% Acquisition / Disposal 0.3% 0.9% Fx 0.1% 0.0% Operating income (EBIT) Operating margin 17.7% 21.2% Press Release Q Page 9 of 14

11 Consolidated Cash Flow Statements Q Q HY 2007 HY 2006 mil mil mil mil CASH FLOWS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Profit before income taxes Adjustments for: Depreciation, amortisation and impairments Share based payments Investment income: (Profit)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (3) (21) (36) (29) Interest and similar income (28) (62) (59) (100) Foreign exchange (gains) and losses (4) 2 (7) 1 Interest and similar expenses Results from investments in associates (6) 1 (5) 2 Changes in provisions: Pension liabilities (32) (33) (72) (50) Other provisions 3 19 (37) 10 Changes in working capital: Inventory (1) (1) (2) 0 Accounts receivable (5) (3) 48 (28) Other current assets 16 (55) (29) (42) Trade accounts payable (17) 32 (14) 37 Other current liabilities excluding short term financing and taxes (64) (119) (45) (117) Cash generated from operations Interest paid (51) (48) (89) (65) Income taxes paid (124) (59) (202) (100) Net cash from operating activities Acquisition of group companies (net of cash) (89) (9) (266) (39) Disposals of group companies and joint ventures Investment in associates (8) (7) (16) (8) Disposals of associates Capital expenditure on intangible assets (24) (26) (43) (53) Disposal of intangible assets Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment (61) (69) (117) (130) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Other changes in (financial) fixed assets Changes in minority interests Interest received Dividends received Net cash used in investing activities (135) (81) 142 (174) Repurchases of shares (170) (216) (289) (849) Other equity changes Proceeds from long term borrowings Repayments to long term borrowings (17) 0 (18) (23) Proceeds from short term borrowings Repayments to short term borrowings (17) (7) (327) (150) Proceeds from finance leases Repayments to finance leases (8) (1) (9) (2) Dividends paid (183) (173) (183) (173) Financing relating to our discontinued operations (18) (57) (7) (74) Net cash used in financing activities (83) (43) (485) (366) Changes in cash from continuing operations (79) 5 34 (105) CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Net cash from operating activities 0 9 (19) (32) Net cash used in investing activities 0 (9) 4 (9) Net cash used in financing activities Changes in cash from discontinued operations TOTAL CHANGES IN CASH (79) (89) Cash at beginning of the period Cash from divested business 0 0 (29) 0 Exchange rate differences 1 (5) 1 (6) Total changes in cash (79) (89) Cash at end of period of which discontinued business 0 (44) 0 (151) Cash at end of period as reported Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the sale of Freight Management. Press Release Q Page 10 of 14

12 Consolidated Balance Sheets 30 Jun 31 Dec mil mil Goodwill 1,785 1,573 Other intangible assets Intangible assets 2,073 1,785 Land and buildings Plant and equipment Aircraft Other Construction in progress Property, plant and equipment 1,800 1,678 Investments in associates Other loans receivable 6 7 Deferred tax assets Prepayments and accrued income Financial fixed assets Pension asset * Total non-current assets 4,766 4,277 Inventory Accounts receivable 1,564 1,561 Income tax receivable 16 8 Prepayments and accrued income Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets 2,220 2,122 Assets held for sale Total assets 6,995 6,808 Equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent 2,236 1,983 Minority interests Total equity 2,255 2,008 Deferred tax liabilities Provisions for pension liabilities * Other employee benefit obligations Other provisions Long-term debt 1,285 1,183 Accrued liabilities 4 3 Total non-current liabilities 2,193 2,112 Trade accounts payables Short term provisions Other current liabilities Income tax payable Accrued current liabilities 1,096 1,136 Total current liabilities 2,547 2,542 Liabilities related to assets classified as held for sale Total liabilities and equity 6,995 6,808 * The comparative numbers have been changed according to the method of presentation introduced in Press Release Q Page 11 of 14

13 Additional information Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets Q Q HY 2007 HY 2006 mil mil mil mil Express Mail Non-allocated Total Capital expenditure includes financial leases, which are non-cash transactions. Movement in equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent Q Q HY 2007 HY 2006 mil mil mil mil Opening balance 2,306 2,855 1,983 3,262 Profit/(loss) attributable to the shareholders Foreign exchange effects and other 12 (9) 4 (26) Repurchases of shares (176) (216) (289) (849) Other reserves Cash dividend (183) (173) (183) (173) Closing balance 2,236 2,678 2,236 2, Jun 31 Dec mil mil Short term debt Long term debt 1,285 1,183 Total interest bearing debt 1,669 1,566 Cash and other interest bearing assets (354) (298) Net debt 1,315 1,268 * Net debt does not include adjustments for operating leases and pension liabilities that are incorporated in the definition of total net debt used for credit rating purposes. Comparative 2006 figures are adjusted for the sale of Freight Management. Working daycount Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Express Mail Press Release Q Page 12 of 14

14 Financial Calendar & Contact Information Tuesday 31 July, 2007 Interim ex-dividend date Tuesday 7 August, 2007 Payment of interim dividend Monday 29 October, 2007 Publication of 2007 third quarter results Additional information available at Mike Richardson Director Investor Relations Phone mike.richardson@tnt.com Sabine Post de Jong Manager Investor Relations Phone sabine.post@tnt.com Pieter Schaffels Director Media Relations Phone pieter.schaffels@tnt.com Daphne Andriesse Senior Press Officer Media Relations Phone daphne.andriesse@tnt.com Cyrille Gibot Senior Press Officer Media Relations Phone cyrille.gibot@tnt.com Published by: TNT N.V. Neptunusstraat JA Hoofddorp P.O. Box KG Amsterdam Phone Fax investorrelations@tnt.com Press Release Q Page 13 of 14

15 Warning about forward-looking statements Some statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. We intend that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under these laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are outside of our control and impossible to predict and may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, analyses and projections about the industries in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions about future events. In addition to the assumptions specifically mentioned in this press release, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include, but are not limited to, the results and the timing of the conclusion of our tax investigations and our discussions or disagreements with other tax authorities and the other factors discussed in our annual report on Form 20-F and our other reports filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these uncertainties, no assurance can be given as to our future results and achievements. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date of this press release and are neither predictions nor guarantees of future events or circumstances. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Press Release Q Page 14 of 14